Fallen Star Chronicles (Work in Progress)

Chapter Six - Preparation

~Chapter Six - Preparation

Over the next month Ainu and D'mitri spends time getting to know one another better and she occasionally joins him on trips to town. She always wore a hood over her head, to keep people from staring at her too long. They didn't see much of Isabella or Romen, usually just in passing as they explore the different shops and stalls in the bazaar. Whenever they would see Isabella or Romen, Isabella would glare for a few seconds before turning the opposite way and Romen following shortly behind.

On this particular trip to town, D'mitri wants to purchase fabric and other items for an upcoming ball that he would be taking Ainu to. She is hesitant to go to such a public event, but she doesn't want to disappoint D'mitri, so she follows behind him as he makes his way through the bazaar to a fabric store. The bell over the door rings as they enter, getting the attention of the other patrons in the store. One of the assistants makes her way over to where they stand just inside the door, letting their eyes adjust to the slightly dimmer room.

"Welcome to Madame Ristani's, Sir. How can we be of assistance for you on this wonderful day?"

"Thank you. I'm here for some fabric that is soft, but not exactly silk for it needs to be able to be dyed without falling apart or destroying the beauty of the fabric."

"What is the occasion?"

"I'm sure you know that there is to be a ball this weekend. I wish that my girl, Ainu here, to join me and for that she will need the best fabrics you have."

"Just fabric, Sir? We have seamstresses at our disposal to help create whatever you desire."

"Just the fabric and a few accessories to adorn it. Ainu is a very talented seamstress of her own and has made the outfit you see on her now."

That got the attention of the rest of the patrons and assistants and even Madame Ristani came out from the back area where she was currently working on a design. They all look at Ainu and at D'mitri's gentle push steps forward and turns slowly for them to see from all angles. It was one of the genie pants designs with a short bandeau halter top that wrapped around the back of her neck and crossed over her breasts before tying behind her back. The pants were sheer as before with small shorts for coverage. The colors were the usual blue gradient into black and adorned with the silver stars and universes.

"This is incredible work, it almost looks like one whole piece, you can barely see the seams at all." One of the assistants lean in and gently run their fingers over the seam in the pants.

Madame Ristani moves closer and trails a finger over a universe of stars that rest over the upper swell of Ainu's left breast. "Are these hand stitched stars?"

"Aye, Mistress. Every one of the outfits I have made have them stitched in by hand, Mistress."

"This is absolutely phenomenal. I hate to admit it, but you are better than myself and I have been doing this for most of my life. How long have you been sewing?"

Ainu steps back to D'mitri's side and lowers her head to look at the floor, the hood sliding down to hide her face. "Only a few years, Mistress. The slave house I was raised in didn't see me worthy enough to learn any skills until recently, Mistress."

"Slave? She's a slave?" A few of the patrons ask, clearly shocked to see one moving and speaking so freely.

"Yes, Ainu was purchased as a slave, but because I know her from childhood, she is not treated as such. It is a bit of work to get her to be more open with others, but she's making progress slowly."